The state-level WASL (Washington State Assessment of Student
Learning) assessments require students to both select and
create answers to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and
understanding in each of the Essential Academic Learning Requirements
(EALRs). Test formats range from multiple-choice and short-answer
questions to more extended responses, essays, and problem
solving tasks.
The state-level assessments in reading, communication, and
mathematics include a mix of multiple-choice, short-answer,
and extended-response questions. The writing assessment at
Grades 4, 7, and 10 asks students to respond to two writing
"prompts" (tasks).
The state of Washington will continue to require a Second
Grade Oral Reading Assessment, and the current Washington
Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) in reading will continue
in grades 4, 7, and 10. A mandatory compliance policy regarding
the new assessments in grades 3, 5, 6, and 8 will come into
effect in Spring 2006.
Merit’s Language Arts and Math software programs correlate
to Washington’s Essential Academic Learning Requirements
and can help students prepare for the WASL assessments. The
content and format of Merit’s programs can help students
develop and strengthen their test-taking skills as well as
their reading, writing and math skills.
Merit reading software has been proven -- through rigorous,
scientifically based research -- to increase both student
reading comprehension and standardized test scores. Merit
research study findings reveal that education software is
an effective tool to improve test scores and academic performance.
Published: January 2005 |
